News

Pilot Father and Son Re-create Old Cockpit Photo for Dad’s Final Flight, 29 Years Later

“My number one goal was to be able to fly with my dad,” Ruben Flowers III, a newly minted Southwest pilot, tells PEOPLE

Ruben Flowers Jr. and Ruben Flowers III on a Southwest plane in 2023. Photo:

Courtesy Southwest Airlines

When Ruben Flowers III was training to become a pilot at Southwest, he stumbled across an old family photo — the picture shows him in the cockpit, sitting in the co-pilot’s seat as his father prepares to fly the plane.

“I wanted to be in that seat,” says 30-year-old Flowers III, looking back at his toddler self. He was determined to “recreate that moment” and fly with his dad before he retired.

His father, Ruben Flowers Jr., now 65, flew for Southwest for nearly 30 years.

“It was coming down to the last moments,” Flowers III says. ”We didn’t know if I was going to make it [through training] in time.”

But on Flowers III’s second official flight as a pilot for Southwest, he got to be the co-pilot on his father’s final flight, which happened on March 3. They went out for a big breakfast before the trip from Omaha to Chicago.

“It was just great, great to be able to do that,” says Flowers III, who lives in Detroit. “It was surreal to look over there and see him.”

Ruben Flowers Jr. and son Ruben Flowers III in 1994.

Courtesy Southwest Airlines

He decided when he was 17 that he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, because his dad always seemed so happy to go to work.

“I love flying, it’s the best office view in the world,” Flowers Jr. tells PEOPLE.

It’s a career choice that runs in the family: Flowers Jr.’s brother is also a captain for Southwest and his cousin is a first officer training to become a Southwest captain. Flowers III’s younger brother and sister both have pilot licenses, but are still training to become commercial airline pilots.

“I look forward to making their journey as well,” says Flowers III.

On his final flight with Southwest, Flowers Jr. not only had his son in the cockpit, but his brother and his cousin, too.

“It was a dream of mine to make this happen,” Flowers III says. “It was my number one goal to fly with my dad.”

When they landed in Chicago, the younger Flowers continued on flying. His father went to a retirement reception.

“I really enjoyed flying with my son,” Flowers Jr. says. “It was truly a blessing for me. It was just awesome.”

The photo recreation has inspired other people to approach Flowers III and ask what steps they need to take to become pilots, too.

“That’s been great,” says Flowers III, who shares his experience so others can “chase their dreams.”

He is often told by other pilots how much they learned from his dad, as well. “It motivates me to be a better person and a better pilot each day,” he adds.

Related Posts

Elon Musk’s fortune far surpasses double that of Bill Gates, as Tesla’s latest move sends shockwaves through the world, leaving rivals far behind in the billionaire rankings

Elon Musk’s wealth has surged to unprecedented heights, eclipsing the fortunes of other tech titans like Bill Gates by a staggering margin. Tesla’s recent unveiling of a groundbreaking…

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez wrap up three-day Venice wedding extravaganza

It’s been both the most public and secretive wedding of the year. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez concluded their three-day-long Venetian extravaganza on Saturday evening with a celebration…

BREAKING: Utah becomes the first U.S. state to ban Pride flags in both public schools and government buildings

A las 3:00 de la mañana del lunes 30 de junio de 2025, hora de Vietnam, una noticia impactante sacude el panorama político y social de Estados Unidos….

“SHOCKING TURN OF EVENTS: NBC’s Peter Alexander Faces Unbelievable Aftermath of Heated Confrontation with Karoline Leavitt—What Happened Next Was Something He Never Expected!”

Fox News’ Karoliпe Leavitt Stυпs Reporters with Fiery Exchaпge Dυriпg White Hoυse Briefiпg: A Tυrпiпg Poiпt iп Political Discoυrse Iп aп υпexpected aпd fiery momeпt at the White…

5 minutes ago: TV REBELLION? Roseanne Barr announces collaboration with Michael Richards on a controversial new sitcom. Michael Richards’ 7-word response leaves fans stunned: “We will take over…”

Los Angeles, CA – June 21, 2025 – Comedy legends Roseanne Barr and Michael Richards have sent shockwaves through Hollywood with the announcement of their new sitcom, Back to…

Angel Reese BREAKS SILENCE After Being Ranked Among WNBA’s WORST — Then ERASED from 2025 All-Star Ballot Without Warning

The backlash is booming – and Wnba is in a state of crisis. After Brittney Griner returned to the afterlife accusing the use of insults against Caitlin Clark,…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *